This week, we have a very special 2-part episode. On February 16, 2016, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County partnered with Ex Fabula, a local organization that is committed to strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling, for an evening of true personal stories all about Fatherhood. Participants included both men and women, fathers, daughters, sons, wives and husbands from all over the Greater Milwaukee area. The event was held at 3041 North, a great local event space, in partnership with Walnut Way Conservation Corp.

This week we talk to Charles Russell, a sexual assault survivor who first shared his story with us back in April in a blog for Denim Day. Our conversation delves a bit deeper into the assault and the healing journey Charles has taken to become the man he is today. Rebecca, also a survivor, and Charles stumble upon many similarities they share as survivors although the circumstances of their experiences are very different. This episode is a refreshing real conversation about a tough topic. We also must advise that this episode may be a trigger for survivors.

United Way employees are privileged to have the opportunity to take the very popular Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action course each year with our neighbors at YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. This course teaches people of all races, backgrounds, ages, and professions about how racism affects our community and the tools we can use to both unlearn our own racism, and stand against racism in institutions around us. This week we speak with Paula Penebaker, President and CEO and Martha Barry, Racial Justice Director at YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. Paula and Martha developed this course as part of the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism.

United Way employees are privileged to have the opportunity to take the very popular Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action course each year with our neighbors at YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. This course teaches people of all races, backgrounds, ages, and professions about how racism affects our community and the tools we can use to both unlearn our own racism, and stand against racism in institutions around us. This week we speak with Paula Penebaker, President and CEO and Martha Barry, Racial Justice Director at YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. Paula and Martha developed this course as part of the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism.

This week we talk to Shaquita and Adrienne, two women who spend a majority of their time on the streets. They aren’t homeless but spend their time helping youth who may be experiencing homelessness, young people who need help finding resources, or maybe just need a friend. They are outreach specialists on the Milwaukee Street Beat team through Pathfinders and the Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center.

Is it really possible to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee…by 2017? If you’re first thought is “that’s crazy…” Emily Kenney wants you to think again.

Where were you on September 11th, 2001? In this week’s episode we talk to Jessica Osenbrugge, the executive director for St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic. Jessica was in New York City on September 11, 2001. She shares her story with us about experiencing such a life-altering event at just 24 years old and how, in the days after the attack, she dedicated her life to trying to find a missing woman and fellow Wisconsinite who was in the North Tower. As we approach the 15 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack Jessica reflects on the events of the day, the healing journey she has been a part of, and what is happening to commemorate the victims, first responders, and emergency personnel who gave selflessly in the days and months after the attack. This episode will be shared in two segments.

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You never know when you might be working down the hall from someone with an amazing story to tell. That is what we discovered when we sat down to interview Diallo Mayo, former Community Health Ambassador and Public Ally placed at United Way to work with the Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families Collaborative (LIHF) and current Youth Programming and Prevention Educator with The Parenting Network.

What have you heard about Milwaukee Public Schools lately? If what comes to mind is something negative-increasing class sizes, not enough quality teachers and school staff, trauma and violence, I want you to hit pause on those thoughts.